Imagine walking through a hidden oasis, a world of cool fountains, cascading waterfalls and fragrant fruit trees. You are standing at the entrance to Chiat Orchard, a secret gem tucked away in Haifa. This enchanting garden, built in 1936, was once a haven for the Khayat family, one of the wealthiest families in Haifa. Aziz Khayat, a prominent member of the family, envisioned Chiat Orchard as a place for his family to escape the bustling city and enjoy peaceful moments. He masterfully crafted it in the style of traditional Arab-Muslim garden architecture, with fountains, canals, and waterfalls that weave their way through the lush greenery. In 1943, the orchard passed into the hands of Aziz’s daughter, Lucy, who later gifted it to the Carmelite Church. In 1972, after Lucy’s death, it was sold to the Haifa municipality, becoming a protected conservation site. Over the years, the orchard faced neglect, its beauty slowly fading, but a group of dedicated activists formed a coalition to restore this historic jewel. They joined forces with the Council for the Preservation of Sites, the Society for the Protection of Nature, and other organizations, determined to revive Chiat Orchard and safeguard its unique character. Today, the orchard stands as a testament to the legacy of the Khayat family and the resilience of its determined protectors. It is a place where history intertwines with nature, offering a sanctuary for peace and reflection.
Purification Center
A colossal undertaking. That’s what the Haifa Purification Center represents. Right here before us stands a testament to human ingenuity